3-Jan-15-2026-07-14-41-0677-PM

Pittsburgh Summer Camp for Girls in Grades 5-9

Changemakers Camps at Ellis: Explore, Create, and Innovate

Grades 5–9 | Summer 2026

 
Changemakers Camps bring girls together for a summer of hands-on learning, creativity, and collaboration. Campers tackle immersive, project-based experiences in art, ceramics, textiles, and game design, building new skills while exploring their passions. Each session encourages experimentation, critical thinking, and self-expression in a fun, supportive environment.
 
Multiple half-day sessions are available—participants can register for one or multiple camps to extend their summer learning experience.
 
 

Your Art, Your Story

Dates: June 8–12
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cost: $450
Instructor: Lisa Zhou (Ellis Visual Arts Teacher)

Explore a new artistic medium each day in this engaging summer art camp focused on self-expression, identity, and imagination. Campers will build creative skills through hands-on experimentation while learning to reflect on what makes their work unique. The week concludes with a camper-curated exhibition on the final day.

Wheel Throwing: Ceramics in Motion (Sold Out)

*Space is available on our waitlist for no additional cost

Dates: June 8–12
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Cost: $300
Instructor: Christine Fashion (Ellis Art Teacher)

Take a spin on the potter’s wheel in this brand new half-day camp dedicated to wheel throwing. Campers receive both group and individualized instruction as they create functional and sculptural ceramic pieces, whether they’re beginners or experienced throwers. All clay and tools are provided—just come ready to get messy and create.

Clay Creations: Function and Nature

Dates: June 15-18
Schedule: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $275
Instructor: Christine Fashion (Ellis Arts Teacher)

Roll up your sleeves in this brand new half-day ceramics camp focused on hand-building inspired by nature. Campers will learn foundational techniques, including pinch pots, coiling, and slab building while creating sculptural pieces that can also function as jewelry dishes, vases, and flower pots. *Note: campus closed 6/19.

Fiber Arts and Textile Makers Studio

Dates: June 22-26
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $250
Instructor: Christine Fashion (Ellis Art Teacher)

Discover the art of crafting with fiber in this brand new half-day maker’s studio. Campers will design and create their own textile-based accessories such as bags, hats, bracelets, and more while exploring a variety of materials and techniques.

Game On! Retro Video Game Lab

Dates: July 20-24
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $250
Instructor: Sam Rauhala (Ellis Upper School Science Teacher)

Bring your competitive spirit and creativity to this hands-on retro gaming lab. Campers of all experience levels will take on timed challenges and friendly competitions while speed-running classic games and exploring the art and sound behind early design.

Unplugged Game Design

Dates: July 27-31
Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $450
Instructor: Sam Rauhala (Ellis Upper School Science Teacher)

Embark on a journey of creativity and strategy in this one-of-a-kind game design camp. Campers will explore how board games, card games, and other formats connect to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).

 

 

Learn More About Changemakers Camps at Ellis

We hope to see you this summer!